The rules of a holy life. Or A treatise containing the holy order of…

Thirdly, by bearing their burdens; ¹for so we should fulfil the Law of Christ, Gal. 6. 2. There are two sorts of burdens press the godly: One inward, such as are temptations, and their own corruptions; the other outward, such as are afflictions of all sorts: Now in both these, this rule holds; for when we see a godly Christian mourn and lament his ⟨p. 265⟩distress in respect of his infirmities or temptations, we must bear his burden, not by soothing him in his sin, as if it were no sin, but by laying his grief to our own hearts, and striving to comfort him with the promises of God. This is not to make our selves guilty of their sins, or to bear with their sins, but to help them out of their grief by consolation, out of their sin by direction. Note,² that this is charged upon us, when sin is a burden to them, not before; for till then we are ⟨p. 266⟩rather to reprove them, or admonish them: But then we are to take notice of this Rule, when they confess their sins, and are weary of them, and sorry for them: And thus also in their outward burdens we must bear them by comforting them, and advising them, and helping them, and showing our affection to them, as if it were our own case, so far as we have a calling, and power to help them.

Thirdly, by bearing their burthens; ¹for so we should fulfill the Law of Christ, Gal. 6. 2. There are two sorts of burthens presse the godly: One inward, such as are temptations, and their owne corruptions; the other outward, such as are afflictions of all sorts: Now in both these, this rule holds; for when wee see a godly Christian mourne and lament his ⟨p. 265⟩distresse in respect of his infirmities or temptations, wee must beare his burthen, not by soothing him in his sinne, as if it were no sinne, but by laying his griefe to our owne hearts, and striuing to comfort him with the promises of God. This is not to make our selues guilty of their sinnes, or to beare with their sinnes, but to helpe them out of their griefe by consolation, out of their sinne by direction. Note,